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Nursing 335

NURS 335: RN Transition Course I

Prerequisites: Upper Division Standing; Registered Nurse Students

Credit Hours: (3) Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory.

The objectives and content of this course are derived from the AACN Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice and the School of Nursing’s philosophy and conceptual framework to facilitate the achievement of the program objectives. The course integrates pathophysiology, pharmacology and health assessment for the experienced Registered Nurse as follows: (1) focuses on pathophysiology throughout the lifespan providing the student with a scientific knowledge base applicable to clinical practice (2) emphasizes the relationship of drugs and their effects on humans, and (3) focuses on the use of health assessment skills with clients throughout the lifespan providing the student with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills required to perform a systematic health assessment.

Note(s): RN to BSN course.

Detailed Description of Content of the Course

Focuses on the knowledge and skills of systemic history taking and health assessment across the lifespan; pathophysiology and the nursing implications; and the effects of selected drugs and the nursing implications. Provides the theory and skills necessary for the RN to apply the nursing process.

1. Demonstrate skill in interviewing and communication techniques used in obtaining a health history.
2. Demonstrate skill in performing a safe and accurate physical assessment.
3. Demonstrate the ability to integrate the complete history and physical assessment and record in a concise, accurate, and logical sequence.
4. Describe pertinent findings in select body systems occurring across the lifespan.
5. Demonstrate an adequate knowledge base in pathophysiology for professional nursing practice.
6. Integrate knowledge of pathophysiology into the nursing process to promote, protect, and restore the client's holistic health.
7. Apply knowledge of pathophysiology to select appropriate therapeutic nursing interventions.
8. Demonstrate critical thinking in the application of pathophysiological principles.
9. Define selected terms used in pharmacology.
10. Discuss principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
11. Discuss the mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, side effects, and adverse reactions of selected drugs.
12. Discuss the legal responsibilities of the nurse in relation to pharmacology.
13. Discuss the nursing implications of selected drugs across the lifespan.
14. Discuss the influence of health beliefs, cultural background, and psychological aspects of drug therapy.

Assessment Measures

May include:

Exams; Quizzes
Paper
Project, Individual or Group
Care Plan
Oral Presentations
Class Participation
Other Course Information
Honor Code: By accepting admission to Radford University, a student makes a commitment to understand, support, and abide by the University Honor Code without compromise or exception. Violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated. This class will be conducted in strict observation of the Honor Code. Refer to your Student Handbook for details.

Students with Disabilities: If you are seeking classroom accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act, you are required to register with the Center for Accessibility Services (CAS). The CAS is located in Suites 301-327, Russell Hall. Call the CAS at 540-831-6350. To receive academic accommodations for this class, please obtain the proper CAS forms and meet with the instructor no later than the second week of the semester.
Attendance: For attendance and other course-related requirements, see School of Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook and Course Description.